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Throughout last year's race for the White House, the former president wooed voters with promises to reduce prices immediately upon taking office. But, after his inauguration, there was precious little focus to the cost of living. All that changed following price-fatigued citizens delivered a rebuke at the ballot box. Shortly thereafter, the Trump administration initiated a slapdash effort to address affordability. Unfortunately, this initiative has proven a hot mess—filled with illogical claims, inconsistencies, magical thinking, blame-shifting, and Trumpian dishonesty.

Detached Assertions and Supermarket Reality

Just two days post-election, Trump began his affordability drive with a disastrous statement: “Food prices are way down. All items is way down… So I don’t want to hear about the cost of living.” These words from billionaire Trump—often mingles with fellow billionaires—demonstrated utter contempt for everyday citizens who struggle when visiting the grocery store. Essentially, he ignored their struggles as trivial, suggesting they were mistaken about actual costs.

His assertion that everything was “way down” was absurdly obtuse and inaccurate. How could every price be decreasing when the taxes he imposed were increasing prices? Official statistics indicate banana prices increased nearly 7% over the past year, the price of beef went up 14.7%, and the cost of coffee jumped by nearly 19%—in part because of import taxes applied to Brazilian products. Between January and September, prices rose in the majority of main grocery groups tracked by the government’s price index, such as animal proteins (up 4.5%), non-alcoholic beverages (increasing nearly 3%), and produce (rising slightly).

Contradictions and Falsehoods in Economic Claims

In spite of these numbers, Trump continues to push his misleading narrative about lower costs. Since election day, he has claimed there is “virtually no inflation,” insisted “prices are way down,” and asserted “living is cheaper under Trump than it was under his predecessor.” These statements contradict the fact that prices overall have unarguably risen after the previous administration. At present, price growth is running at a 3% annual rate, that’s half again as much than the central bank’s 2% goal. Adding to the inaccuracies, Trump boasted that gas prices had dropped to around two dollars, even though official data indicate they are $3.19.

Confronted by reality and lower approval ratings, advisers evidently cautioned that his “prices are down” message portrayed him as disconnected from typical Americans. Many voters are angry about rising costs after promises of reductions. In response, advisers suggested one quick fix: roll back some of Trump’s beloved tariffs. The logical move contradicted the president’s unrealistic claim that new tariffs would not increase costs for American shoppers.

Proposed Solutions and Their Potential Effects

As certain taxes reduced on coffee, beef, tomatoes, and bananas, Trump will likely claim that he has cut prices once those foods begin to fall in price. This would be similar to a firestarter taking credit for putting out a blaze that he had started. In another instance, while speaking fast-food leaders, he declared that “this is the peak period of America” and told the audience that “costs are decreasing and all of that stuff.” These comments come naturally for a billionaire to make, but seem insincere to millions of Americans facing hardships—especially when millions face losing food stamps or rising insurance costs.

Per a survey from October, three-quarters of respondents think economic conditions are fair or poor, while only 26% rate them positive. Another poll showed that 61% of Americans feel Trump’s policies have “worsened economic conditions” in the country.

Financial Reality and Proposed Measures

The treasury secretary, the president’s chief financial officer, lately contradicted claims of a prosperous era. He noted that instead of thriving, some parts of the US economy “have contracted.” The manufacturing sector—which Trump vowed to save—seems to have shrunk for multiple consecutive months and lost around 33,000 jobs this year. Citing this weakness, Bessent urged the central bank to reduce borrowing costs—a move that could help affordability.

In response to widespread concern about affordability, the president proposed a direct payment of “a dividend of at least $2,000 a person” excluding “high income people.” For many struggling Americans, it seems like manna from heaven, but the prospects are dim that Congress—concerned about huge budget deficits—will enact the proposal. The scheme would likely raise government expenditure, increase borrowing costs, and potentially drive prices higher by putting more money into consumers’ pockets.

A further proposed solution for cost issues involved introducing half-century home loans, with the notion that this would reduce monthly mortgage payments. But, the truth is that 50-year mortgages have minimal impact to lower monthly payments—frequently cutting them by just $100 or $200 per month. The drawback is that these loans could more than double the total interest homeowners pay and hinder building home value.

Blaming the Past Government and Economic Outlook

In their cost-cutting effort, the administration have again pointed fingers at Biden for financial challenges, such as increasing costs. Spokespeople stated they “faced a mess from Joe Biden” and were “addressing the prior administration’s price hikes.” This is unfounded and inaccurate claims. Actually, Biden handed over a robust economic situation, with low price growth, solid expansion, and unemployment low. However, Trump’s policies—especially his tariffs—have resulted in an difficult situation, driving costs higher and reducing economic output.

According to Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, 22 states are already in recession, with their economies damaged by Trump’s tariffs. Zandi fears that if large states such as California and New York enter a downturn, the nation could face a broad economic slump. During recessions, people typically have less money to spend, and price increases often falls. Sadly, with the highly-touted affordability campaign likely to do little to control costs, his primary method for achieving increased affordability might end up triggering an economic contraction—a scenario that struggling Americans really can’t afford.